The challenges in developing the WEPP cumulative effects model

Abstract

Many of the forests in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world are source areas for water. The quantity and quality of this water are major public concerns. In a forested watershed, any road segment, harvesting operation, or other management activity can adversely impact forest streams. These disturbances are distributed in both time and space. The disturbance in the first year may have minimal impact on the hydrologic integrity of the watershed, but if the disturbance in the following year is added to the first, and the disturbance in year 3 added to those in years 1 and 2, the net effect may be detrimental to the beneficial uses of the stream. A model to address this cumulative impact is sometimes referred to as a cumulative effects model. This paper presents the application of the GeoWEPP Geographic Information System (GIS) tool to evaluating cumulative effects in forests due to fuel management activities. An example is given to demonstrate the utility and limitations of the current tool.

Citation

Elliot, William J.; Foltz, Randy B. 2003. The challenges in developing the WEPP cumulative effects model. In: Wide, M.I.; Hallberg, I., eds. Proceedings: 2nd Forest Engineering Conference; 12-15 May, 2003, Vaxjö, Sweden. Uppsala, Sweden: Skogforsk: 55-58. Poster